Clemens and Biggio: Tapping into the past to build a foundation for the future

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When the Astros name the coaching staff for 2013, don’t expect the names Craig Biggio or Roger Clemens to be in the mix.

Yes, some have suggested Clemens would be a good pitching coach and many even thought Biggio would have an inside track to be Brad Mills’ replacement.

But these two future Hall of Famers (okay, we can have that debate on another day), should have much larger roles with the organization. On the field and off. In fact, they’re already consulting owner Jim Crane on major issues and it’s clear Crane is comfortable with both in high-profile positions in his organization.

Start here: Bring back the elite pitching and hitting camps.

Who better to influence young prospects and the organization’s future impact players than a 300-game winner and a hitter with more than 3,000 hits?

Give Clemens five days in late January with Jarred Cosart, Lance McCullers, Mike Foltynewicz, Asher Wojciechowski and Nick Tropeano. And bring in Jonathan Singleton, George Springer, Carlos Correa, Delino Deshields and Jonathan Villar for some quality hitting time with Biggio.

No, the idea is not new. Nolan Ryan started the unique gathering while he was still with the Astros. Jeff Bagwell even joined in later with hitting instruction.

The Elite Hitting Pitching Camps would allow Biggio and Clemens the platform to provide motivation and tips from 40 years of All Star-level experience. Moreover, the week-long session at Minute Maid gives fans a sneak peek of things to come as well as allowing the prospects to get a taste of Houston.

But the season shouldn’t end there for Clemens and Biggio. Not only should both become elder statesmen who represent the Astros in the community, but they could both continue their extended elite camp meetings throughout the season in one-on-one sessions.

For example, let Biggio spend a week with Deshields, Villar or perhaps Nolan Fontana once the minor league season opens. At that point, it becomes more than just hitting and adds footwork at second base, base running or game approach conversation. Or perhaps Clemens gets a week with Cosart next April or May in Oklahoma City. Can you imagine Cosart spending four days leading up to a start as Clemens helps him develop a between-starts routine, then spends the next start as his pitching instructor?

Call them roving instructors, but they would be much more. Biggio and Clemens would be dedicated to the Top 20 prospects and other so-called “projects” throughout the year.

Both Clemens and Biggio are Astros tied to some of the best seasons in the organization’s history. Putting them in touch with future could help to spark some of the magic.